Research of the Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit occasionally produces software that is made available for public use. The two software tools currently available are the Dairy Greenhouse Gas Model (DairyGHG) and the Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM). Additional weather files for IFSM are also available for download for locations across the United States. Further information on this software and instructions for downloading to your computer are obtained using the following links.

Dairy Greenhouse Gas Model

The Dairy Greenhouse Gas Model (DairyGHG) is an easy to use software tool that estimates total greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of a dairy production system. A relatively simple process-based simulation is used to track net flows of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions through the production and use of feeds and the handling of manure. A carbon footprint is then calculated, which includes both primary and secondary emissions. Primary emissions occur during production and secondary emissions are those occurring during the production of resources used including machinery, fuel, electricity, fertilizer, pesticides, and plastic. Click on the heading to read more about DairyGHG and download the software.

Integrated Farm System Model

The Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) is a process-based simulation of dairy, beef, and crop farming systems. This farm model provides a tool for evaluating the long term performance, economics, and environmental impacts of production systems over many years of weather. Environmental impacts include volatile nitrogen losses, nitrate loss to ground water, erosion, and soluble and sediment phosphorus losses to surface water. This model is an expanded version of the former Dairy Forage System Model (DAFOSYM). Click on the heading to download or read more about the Integrated Farm System Model.

Additional Weather Data

Weather files have been prepared for many locations across the United States for use with the Integrated Farm System Model. Click on the heading to view locations and download the files.